Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu Dies At 68.
Zambia’s former president, Edgar Lungu, has passed away at the age of 68, his political party, the Patriotic Front, confirmed in a statement on Thursday. The news has sent shockwaves across the nation and the African continent, with tributes pouring in for the leader who served as Zambia’s sixth president from January 2015 to August 2021.
Mr Lungu had been receiving specialised medical treatment in South Africa for an undisclosed illness in recent weeks, according to the Patriotic Front. He passed away on Thursday morning at 06:00 (04:00 GMT) at a medical centre in Pretoria, South Africa’s capital, as confirmed by his daughter, Tasila Lungu Mwansa. “Our beloved father had been under medical supervision in recent weeks,” she said in a brief video statement, her voice heavy with emotion.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences, noting that it had been a “privilege in recent weeks to care for a leader from our region whom we embraced as a brother and friend. We therefore share the grief and loss experienced.” Kenya’s President William Ruto also paid tribute, describing Mr Lungu as a “progressive and outstanding leader who served the people of Zambia with zeal and commitment.”
Born in 1956, Edgar Lungu was a trained lawyer and military officer before rising through the ranks of the Patriotic Front, a social democratic party. He entered the political spotlight following the death of President Michael Sata in 2014, assuming the presidency in January 2015 after a tightly contested by-election. He went on to win a full term in 2016 but lost the 2021 election to his long-time rival, Hakainde Hichilema, by a significant margin.
During his six-year tenure, Mr Lungu was lauded for initiating a large-scale road construction programme that improved infrastructure across Zambia. He also made history by appointing Inonge Wina as the country’s first female vice president and introduced initiatives such as commuting death sentences and establishing a national day of prayer. However, his administration faced criticism for a deteriorating financial situation, heavy-handed security measures, and allegations of corruption, which he and his supporters denied.
Even after leaving office, Mr Lungu remained a towering figure in Zambian politics. Despite being disqualified by the Constitutional Court in December 2024 from contesting the 2026 election—due to having served the maximum two terms permitted by law—he continued to be a vocal critic of President Hichilema’s government. His return to active politics in 2023 led to the withdrawal of his retirement benefits, a move that sparked controversy.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema expressed “deep sorrow and a heavy heart” over the passing of his predecessor, calling for national unity during this period of mourning. “We must come together as a nation to honour the memory of a leader who dedicated years of service to Zambia,” he said in a statement.
Mr Lungu, who was married to Esther Lungu, leaves behind a complex legacy marked by bold leadership and polarising decisions. Tributes from across the political spectrum and the region continue to highlight his influence, with many reflecting on his commitment to bringing the poorest Zambians closer to the corridors of power.
The Patriotic Front has yet to announce funeral arrangements, but the nation is preparing to bid farewell to a figure who shaped Zambia’s recent history.
